The boards of directors of Lafarge and Holcim have agreed that Eric Olsen (pictured) will become chief executive of the combined company.  Â
Olsen is currently Lafarge’s executive vice-president of operations and has held many positions in the company. He will be in office as from the closing of the merger.
LafargeHolcim new chief executive, Eric Olsen
Wolfgang Reitzle, chairman of the Holcim board and future co-chairman of LafargeHolcim, said: "I very much welcome Eric Olsen as future chief executive of LafargeHolcim.   Â
"With his broad international experience and insights in key markets, he is best positioned to lead the combined company for the benefit of employees, shareholders and customers."Â Â Â
Bruno Lafont, Lafarge chief executive and future LafargeHolcim co-chairman, said: "Eric has been proposed as future chief executive of LafargeHolcim both for his personal and professional qualities. He has a deep knowledge of our activities, clients and markets.  Â
"He is driven, with energy and determination. He is a true leader, with the ability to bring the teams together to drive a strong value creation culture for our shareholders. I have every confidence in his ability to deliver the synergies announced and ensure the development and the success of LafargeHolcim."Â Â Â
In March this year it was announced that the merger would not go ahead "in its present form", since then merger terms have been revised.  Â
The combined company would have sales of about $33.8bn. The transaction is expected to close in July this year. Â
Image: Holcim Cement Distribution, New Zealand (Holcim)
